My Linden, My Lyttonsville: An Untold Story – A Black History Month Spotlight
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s essential to recognize the untold stories of Black communities that have shaped our cities but have often been displaced in the name of progress. One such story is that of Lyttonsville, the oldest Black community in Montgomery County, Maryland, which was uprooted during the 1960s Urban Renewal movement.
Now, Curtis Crutchfield, former News Director of Prince George’s County Community Television and a former Lyttonsville resident, brings this history to life in his powerful documentary, My Linden, My Lyttonsville: An Untold Story. This film captures both the pride and pain of residents who were forced to leave their tight-knit neighborhood when Lyttonsville was deemed a “problem area” during a nationwide push to redevelop Black communities.
Lyttonsville: A Story of Displacement and Resilience
Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, Lyttonsville was founded in the 1850s by a free Black man named Samuel Lytton. For over a century, it remained a thriving, self-sufficient Black community, even as segregation policies restricted its access to public services and infrastructure improvements. However, during the 1960s, Urban Renewal projects displaced many Black neighborhoods under the guise of “progress.”
For Crutchfield and many others, Lyttonsville was more than just a neighborhood—it was a home, a community, and a foundation. Now, through this documentary, he ensures that the voices of those who lived there are heard, their struggles acknowledged, and their legacy preserved.
Black History, Silver Spring, and the Ongoing Fight for Recognition
Lyttonsville’s story is a critical part of Silver Spring’s diverse Black history and highlights the broader issues of racial displacement in the Washington, D.C. metro area. As we reflect on Black History Month, it’s important to amplify these stories, recognize the systemic injustices faced by Black communities, and celebrate the resilience of those who fought to preserve their heritage.
Watch My Linden, My Lyttonsville on WHUT-TV
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about a vital chapter of Montgomery County’s Black history. The documentary will air on WHUT-TV, the local PBS station, at the following times:
📺 Monday, February 17 – 9:30 PM (WHUT-HD)
📺 Tuesday, February 18 – 3:00 AM (WHUT-HD)
📺 Tuesday, February 18 – 12:00 PM (WHUT-HD)
📺 Tuesday, February 25 – 4:00 PM (WHUT-HD)
🎥 Watch the full documentary here: PBS Link
Why This Matters for Black History Month
The legacy of Lyttonsville is a testament to the strength of Black communities in Montgomery County, Silver Spring, and the greater D.C. area. By watching this documentary and sharing its story, we ensure that these histories are not forgotten.
💡 Join the conversation about Silver Spring’s Black history and the impact of Urban Renewal. Share this film and help amplify the voices of those who lived it.